Sea Fever

Mum and Dad sent this to me for christmas .. enjoy

 "Sea-Fever"

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

By John Masefield (1878-1967).
(English Poet Laureate, 1930-1967.)

Made to Fremantle .. contact number +61404140338 or 0404140338 if ur local.. Party this saturday in Fremantle sailing club

If any one wants a beer will be at Fremantle sailing club to acept our award .

details are on the web    www.clipperroundtheworld.com        

Next stop Singapore.. Looking fwd to seeing you guys there .. mind you it is like herding cats as Kev would put it .

Any Q's about the journey from Durban to Freo,and the southern ocean ..please ask Kevy Bowers . 
 Oz Mobile will be on from 21st . all xmas present please send to clipper and they can send on ..  
enjoy 

 gjx 

Message From GARYJESSOP

Knackered.
32 22.8 S 114 33.3 E
the last 72 hours no sleep, been hurled around the boat with choppy seas.We have 3 reefs in , stay sail and storm jib.. I expected the last few days to be sunny and blue waters.. but no absolutey shattering. now just 60miles to go .. it will be a close finish for third as Hull have 50 mins in their favour to take off their time .... it will be so close

Message From GARYJESSOP

39 55.5 S 094 27.5 E and the harsh weather ends,here cometh the sunshine and nowinds ..you may say that sounds great .. but no .. we may end up slipping down the fleet ..we always think that the other will have better winds ..and we dido further south .And remember we have now been at sea 15 days .. and I am ready for that beer and a good bath.. so i hope we can pick up from the 5 knts we are having back to 10 plus.. have a great week 10/1207

Message From GARYJESSOP

Artic Terns, Storm Petrels,Herring guls,Albatros keep us company at 42 11.3S 074 05.5 E .We also had the grace of Minky Whales just before breakfast in the light drizzle and the Badger announced that we have moved upto 2nd place ..this is all due to a great team performance , non stop trim .. changing kites, changing white sails in the past 72hrs.. I think we can now step into the shadows cast by Durban Clipper and take her.I know we have just gone through the half way mark and there is a longway togo,but the lady Qing is purring constantly in time with the ocean and the crew.Let's enjoy where we are both in the race and in the ocean. 6/12/07

Message From GARYJESSOP

The icy cold shower wakes my senses as I stand on the bow with tourch in hand trimming the sails, yes the waters and the wind have chilled and the team are throwing on all their layers , I am trying to resist untill I really need them. It is 1am boat time ,not sure what time it is in the rest of the world but that doesnt matter .. we are trimming all day to get optimum speed, the swell is rising and we are waiting for the winds to grow and the condions to test us
Vee has done a geat job mending the yankee 1 where we had a small head ache from the first nights winds and seas, we are back to full strength and are pumped up with smiles and energy.As I have mentioned before this is a truly wonderful ocean. 42 08.2 S 064 13.1 E 4/12/07

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Message From GARYJESSOP

41 02 .2 S 054 15.2 E 2/12/07 4.am
The heart of the earth shows her beat as the sun rises with rustic reds,burnt oranges,tanning browns,golds,copper,blood reds,sunflower yellow,royal purples slipping into majestic greys,silvers into light blues and the ocean a tenderness of mercury making us feel weightless.We are greeted by the albatross and his family after their night of gliding this pure uneffect,unadulterated ocean,it is heavenly.This is the begining of another special day in the Southern Ocean.It has a calming effect to the soul,so pure it feels.

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Message From GARYJESSOP

We say farewell to S.A and the yacht clubs that looked after us well.Night one was a baptism to the new guys and a reminder of the bay of Biscay to some of us.Winds at Force 9 and gusting higher,waves braking over the boat both the bowman and helm getting it so for the first four days we knuckle down,but it is amazing how one copes with these conditions,always clipped on and alert.We once again are lucky to have some new blood on board.I was honoured once again by Marcus to be watch leader took it on , Chris also.I have to say it is good fun and the guys on board help it not be a chore.So the names of the watch's took some time but someone came up with a Christmas theme or is it ..Leg or Breast.
On Leg watch Myself,Christian who wrote a great Clipper Blog yesterday,Ant,Daisy,Vee,Martin (strong as an ox),Max the Italian wih style,steve the pirate or is it Kaito now.
Breast : Chris,Oscar,Nicole,Carlo,David,Zoe,John,Charlie the king of the Log.
So as you can see we have a great team here and we will get a podium.
39 35 .2 S 047 39.7E so you can see we are about to enter the southern ocean. So with Neptune and Hermes on our side bring it on.

A quick farewll to Linda and Klaus who were both great and made the first legs a good time.And a quick congrats to Graham on the birth of his son Benny.We look fwd to seeing you onboard in Perth.

Enjoy the race

Just incase you tried to call me .. Phone went over board coming into Durban

The Day before getting into port I had to jump up the pole ,thus my phone went for a swim as I was trying to call mum and dad .So to all those out there sorry for not calling and sorry for not picking up. The welcome into Durban was grerat we were met by the Zulu Chief and ate a fried Breakfast and drank a few beers followed by the odd Captian good morning. It felt good to come to this exciting land by sea and the locals have been great. I have also been blest with some good friends and Gordon and Justin let me stay at their wonderful house in Cape Town - Camps Bay .Now I have to say that this is a wonderful place and the house is Fantastic, the views of the ocean ,the 12 Apostles and Table Top Mountain from the balcony are awesome ...yes I am jealous .. and yes I recommend it .. so if you want a break .. get the Blue train to the Cape and stay at Gordons and Justins house and If you are lucky Jimbo will be there to tell a tale or two.
 

Message From GARYJESSOP

Phosphourescence,Whales soring through the air,Shark fins gliding through the ocean with a sinister air,Dolphins joyfully playing along side like children in the park, Dive bombing Ganets in huge clusters hunting down their early breakfast,birds abundant soaring the thermals over the waves and showing off their formations,the ocean rich in colour and the silvery white horses waving at us,the land on our port side looking unspoilt and only touched by natures hand .... yes this is Africa.

Message From GARYJESSOP

Phosphourescence lights up the Cape for us as we came around it last nght , I have to say it was a magical evening with glowing dolphins gliding through the waves.We also had a little traffic , but nothing too close.We now have 560 miles left, we think Liverpool clipper maybe infront of us,so we could have dropped to 4th ,a lot to play for and the current / sea breeze will play its part .... I see the land of Africa and it brings back great memories... I look forwardto tonights sail.

Message From GARYJESSOP

35 26 .8 S 011 46.8 E 9/11/07
We've seen tits and had the odd swallow on the trip so far but today we were courted by an Albatross, I think it thought we were another bird as it glided around our sails the whole day.As the sun departed for the day we had Dolphins juming through the tops of the 5 metre waves.The swell has picked up for the first time, we haven't seen it this big and know it will grow.We have been informed that when we go around the cape and upto Durban we could get upto 20metres, I think I maybe hiding in the heads for all that , I'm due a sick day.But to be honest the Lady Qing feels comfortable in these waters , we are just under 500 miles from the cape and looking to hit it by sunday and then into the testing Agulhas Current for which we hope we can do in three days,so not long to go.Just had my first shower since leaving Salvador and feeling pretty sharp.So as I am on mother today I hope to get a restful night sleep after being woken up at 2.30 last night after our watch fininshed at midnight to help get the kite down as the wind was picking up and we had hit speeds of 17.8knts ..so sail changes needed to be done which led into my next watch which started at 4am.. with the sun coming up and nature awaking with us ..it wasnt a hindrance but the perfect start to the day.

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Message From GARYJESSOP

Just a quicky today, a quick hello to all the hong kong cricket club hockey section,hows it going with the results ?hilton are you still training everyoehard? david are you being cat like in goal? sparrow ,have you started a game yet rather than been supersub? mr jenkins are you still leading and hows your wonderful family?doctor are u still scrapping down the wing and over celebrating? who, do they know who u are? kev have u headed any moregoals in? andcongratulations to rupert on his newbirth .. hopu are all doingwell..anda quick cheers to u all

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Message From GARYJESSOP

The Hare and Hounds and I wish I was talking the pub,that's how it feels out here at present.With the rest of the fleet on our heels we can only keep sailing our race our course with every dip in wind we sigh but we can only go as fst as the elements will let us and our knowlegde of trim for which we are for ever learning.We are fighting as example have just off 2 watch's which have been for ever busy,evolution after evolution, we dropped the staysail then the yankee 1, and hoist the windseeker ,next drop he wind seeker hoist the yankee 1, hoist the stay sail, drop the yankee 1,hoist the yankee 2, get the yankee 3 on deck ready to hoist..wait ..put the yankee3 back down again ..drop the yankee 2 hoist the kite..now back to speed ,so with this all done I crash onto my bunk.I decide to listen to some classical,so on goes Beethoven symphony no6 ,I drop off to the blissful pitch of the Bavarian state ochestra with Carlos Kleiber at his helm ..when all of a sudden I awake in panic feeling a storm hitting the Lady Qing ..it takes me seconds to get my bearings and I realise that it is just the 4th movement beating out.... outside is calm and i gently doze back ....

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Message From GARYJESSOP

30/10/07 24 26.7 S 23 07.2 W
A beautiful day which started with a Neil Diamond mornng at dawn,we are now on the night shift sailing from 8pm-midnight and then 4am-8am and have from miday to 4pm.
Its a little frustrating as you can see we are in the lead,however with the wind dropping as is our speed,it is a little stressful.How ever it gives us time to take in the beautiful back drop of nature with its ruby coloured skies and the ever changing colours of the ocean.We had acouple of birds take a rest on their annual holiday to S.A with a nights rest on our radar.As for the flying fish they seem to be flying else where at present.So I have made a call that tomorrow my watch 'Trick' will dress up for halloween night,you will have to keep an eye on the web sight for the photo.The watch is going well , bread making is good, infact the simplistic life of the boat is good.With a little help from Neptune we may just keep our lead. One quick question for everyone ..who was the god/goddess of wind ??

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Message From GARYJESSOP

On our way to Durban , just a thought u may help me out.thought I coud get hold of a couple S.A's I know with your help. I m looking forJohn Lane (known asJohn Lane fast bowler) and Joe Verkaul( not sure of the spelling) both were members of Benoni Northerns.. And If some one can check bloomberg for me ..check Ian Skinner also S.A last I knew he was working at Tulletts in London,hemay have moved back. He will know all .And also a Paul Craig.The Boss at Tulletts Jo'burg may know( if its Ruddy)
If anyone gets hold of any off them tell them what i m upto that I m on my way to Durban and would love to catch up for a cold one.
I know it is a Long Shot but woth a try.

The Lady is well balanced at present and the moon lit sky cries out for a poet.
23 12 .9 S 028 21.7 W
gj

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Message From GARYJESSOP

S.A here We come.We leave colourful Salvador with it's hawkers selling T-shirts,hats,classA and other bits and bobs for Durban.We lost a few crew and picked up Dave Brown which is great as we have his nonstop jokes for this journey.
Marus asked Chris and I to be watch leaders again just for this leg and it is an honour and another challenge.So with this accepted Marcus changed the teams -so we changed the names of the watch's to Trick and Treat(Daisy's great call-we will have a new one for the next leg,so any great ideas hit the clipperwebsite)
TheTeams:Trick :Gary,Klaus,David,Ant,Daisy,Linda
Treat:Chris,Christian,Oscar,Carlo,Vee,Nicole
We now have a few calls to make on how south we go,time to gamble for all boats. With these watch's I m sure we can do well and get the Lady to Durban swiftly as I have said before she is well balanced.
Well done to the Boks,Any Rhinos in Durban,Beer ?

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Brazil

As I sip a cold beer in the wonderful Convento Do Carmo hotel which is the best in Salvador Ba Brasil,I take a little time to reflect how the journey went,we cant always tell of the stories when sailing in case it gives the other boats an edge , but all I can say is that day 2 in the Bay of Biscay the boat hit a squall and the Spinnaker Pole and Jockey Pole both broke in half .. yes we were in a brooch but the Lady Qing as ever looked after us and  we came out of it in one piece, we then had to sail the rest of the race with one spinnaker pole and  a make shift jockey pole which Ant and Carlo strapped up .. as for the sails they were fine ... infact coming into port we found how well we had done looking after the Lady , other boats seem to have had a harder time and lets remember this is a long race .. so with just a few mends to make ,, pole and a winch that sheared its bolts in the last 3 days we are ready to go again .. so it gives me joy to meet the locals ,have some cocktails and enjoy the culture , Salvador is a colourful town with a fantastic vibe , if you ever want to come here for a break I recommend the Hotel Convento do Carmo , an old convent placed in the middle of the old town which is up on the hill.It gives one time to enjoy the surroundings and yet feel safe in a peaceful hide away. Plus a quick ride away is the beaches on the islands of Itaparcia  nice and peaceful and not harmed by the human hand , great for sipping the local juice.
So Tomorrow we prepare the boat for the trip to Durban I feel positive that we can do well. We have a great team , a great vibe and the Lady does well , so with Neptune on our side I look forward to the next adventure.
Enjoy the journey with us , and just remember when we hit land after 3-4 weeks we are all a bit weird for some reason .. I have to say it took a little time talking to the welcoming party .. we will grow stronger with every nautical mile.
Thanks for all your support keep the comments coming and if you want to contact me on board please email my mum and dad and they will get it through to me
johnjessop@onetel.com

As for the charity update , thank you  all .....  justgiving.com/garyjesop
So as the sun says ´`have a good night for another day ``.. I sip my cold beer
Enjoy your day and make someone laugh.
garyj-qindao.blogspot.com
gj
 

Message From GARYJESSOP

As we hoist the Brazilian flag ,we have 99 nm to go till that beer.
It gives me time to reflect on our journey and the team that I have done it with.It was a honour to be watch leader on the first leg,Marcus plan is to switch it around.He is a good skipper never swears,never loses the plot (and if so keeps a lid on it) one can learna lot from the man...full respect.
As for my team, the SLAM WATCH.. We have Ant with trimmng skills no one else has,Carey who has become Daisy as our names sound alike always bouncing about with her smile and energy,Bridget who's smile comes with the calm of the ocean,Carlo the jackal who knows most things and mender of poles,Christian non stop singer and entertainer,Olive who reads moby dick and talks non stop, all interesting stuff and a joy to listen to, and Linda who came on for the last week-the smiler.
I was blessed to have such a great watch,no one argued, everyone did their part to help me and when we needed to extend our watch to help the others they did without moaning.It will be tough to repeat such a watch,the stories the laughs ,the moments of silence,the respect....yes when I look at the Brazilian flag I see the course of our journey,the blue of the ocean, the gold of the sun, the stars that guide us here and the green that beckons us to the Land..In the middle is written 'Ordem e Progresso'..yes
We will toast u All

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Message From GARYJESSOP

Just one more ditty.. Ifyou wantto send me anything Flags,Clothes,Money, what ever ..please send it to theclipper address in gosport andthey should ge t o mewhen in port.
also a quick hello tothe ladies in the pump house in gosport. missing your chocolate cake and rock cakes.
and a big thankyou to Thatchers barbers in haywards heath for their15 votes..cheers russell.
and just remember when i do my next blog for the clipper website and ask for a vote make sure u get your friends to hit the email button ..if we can not read them here,we may aswell have fun hitting their in box with our questions/votes and usingu their inbox space ..hehehe
Kev enjoy Paris you know I will be with you in spirit.. and If anyone wants to know howthis1st leg went ask kev the little soldier !!!!!!!!
enjoy your pimms, cidrers and tonics.. chat soon gj

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Message From GARYJESSOP

Today 17/10/07 08 41.0 S 34 57.9 W
A tough 24 hours as we see land but can not touch ,a little like being in a strip bar as kev would put it I thinks.we have about 300nm togo and it's tough.
So I would like to say a few thankyou, to the Manchester Boys Rob Bennett of Bennett furnishings-you can get a great shag pile carpet at a great price,shrek,ted striker the nautical one-thanks for the sailingcards..we saw about 2 ships on the crossing,Russ bennett-all foor seeing me off from liverpool
All the GFI management for putting money to my charity- justgiving.com/garyjessop
and all the gfi staff for their donations
just a headsup-on board I do not have access to a pc so ican not see how the charity is doing-my targeis to raise GBP 7,000
As I do not have pc access on board ican not see anymessages youguys have sent,a shame-it would be great but I guess this is a glich in this supersystem..and the key board i have to pay to write-i apologise now as it is a shockerandihave to pay per letterandspace .
I have tried to send some emails toGfi staff Tomomiand jack in Toky..wishing you all the best,Russ Mcy and Jurgen and lesley-but I guess the websense doesntlet them come thru.And toSgr and Dev-but no repspone.
just an Idea if anyone wants to contact me-email me mum/dad at johnjessop@onetel.com and I will get back to you-I have t mail u 1st from the boat.
smile gj

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Message From GARYJESSOP

14/10/07 12.48 UTC time 00 00.0 N 031 28.368
We cross the Equator..with Engand beating the Fench it was a double celebration.After days in the doldrums it was relief to have a good run in the last 24 hrs.
Having slipped a few places we now have the Lady Qing balanced nicely and letting her take us to land, the white fluffy clouds , the blue sea and the swell send us on our way.Hopefuly we can do 220miles in the next 24hrs and if so Brazil isnt that far.Itgives us time to wash the gunck that neptuned covered us in over the crossing .. the moustache gone ,feeling good.
Regards to Cedric and Fx maybe next time .......Come on England.

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Message From GARYJESSOP

07 16 . 2N 027 49 .7 W 10/10/07
A frustrating night with Lighting and squalls.The eve started of ok, then the squalls came, with the lack of wind our boat speed dropped to 0.00 and then gusted us to 12 kts.It was all eyes peeled as we saw some traffic out there but never came close to identifying it.
In between the clouds the stars lit up the stage and one star we have named The Slam Star,now the 'Slamster' helps guide us to our destination.I will have a look in the star book tonight and seef I can find the real name.
So a little unlucky with the weather and acouple of strops we find ourselves slipping back. We deserve some luck.
I am also looking forward to gettng to 0 00.0 N to shave this moustache off. Lesley I will try and get a photo for you,it is a wrongern.
Bring on the Equator.

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Message From GARYJESSOP

10 54 .5N 026 02.6W 8/10/07
Another beautiful day,blue skies, flying fish,dolphins and the Lady Qing slips through the rich blue ocean with ease.Like us she is wanting more wind to play with.We were in 5th but now seem to have slipped a little but as we have always said it will ge interesting once through the doldrums.
Onboard we are keeping ourselves entertained,if youwant to join us please do.Here is what we are listening to:
Olivia reads to us nightly Moby Dick... try it.
Music Top 3:
1) I like Chinese by Monty Python...I recommend,we usually play just before dinner,always brings a smile to all
2)Basket Case Green day..for when surfing (an old tune from when i useto drive to London with Dog)
3)Jack Johnson for afterthe surf.
Have to go nowasis tart of my night watch . my teamarealldoinwelland we are learning loads all the time ... the hardest part is just getting use to time to think about things you never normally do.
regards to everyone in Tokyo ,Hong Kong and Sing

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Message From GARYJESSOP

3 oct 9.15 am 25 10.6 N 016 49.7 W
I am totaly pumped I have just been on the helm for the past 2hrs and have just taken the Lady Qing past W.A clipper.After no wind in the Canaries we are making our way to CapeVerde.In light winds I found myself on the helm and somehow managed to sail upto W.A go around her ,take her wind and get a miles distance ahead.This so far is mybest piece of Helming giving me more confidence in light winds ..which are difficult to sail in.
The Slam team helped me with some kind trimming and the winds gave us a little boost as we went past , it is amazing we are in a big sea and yet we could see the fear in the eyes of the W.A crew as we came right behind them and then around them taking their wind ,It was a team pleaser , but lets not get carried away we still have a few thousand miles to go and positions right now aren't too exciting until we get thru the Doldrums

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Message From GARYJESSOP

Been at sea for 8 days ,nowgetting intothe rythm of life on board, if you fancy a small experience here are a couple of things one can do:
1) shower in salt water and do not wash off
2) every time you goto the toilet flush 25x or 50x depending andthrow any paper out of your window in a brown paper bag
3)sleep 4hours get up walkup 5steps and then down them
4) every hour write where you are (down the 5 stepsand back up)
5)sleep with 6 complete strangersinone room and then let six more come tothat roomas you leaveandlet some onesleep in your bed
6)in the sleeping room tiltte floor , turn off all lights and throw lotsof bags on the floor ...now try and find your bunk.
7)always talk in th third party..'gary is writing a blog...gary has the helm etcetc
8)where boots with shorts
9)dont wash with water,use a wet wipe
10) just as you are about to go to sleep , dont ..go for a quick 20 min run..something always happens as you are coming off watch
There are any more...which we will look into later.
And remember if youtry this at home make sureyou are smiling..the short sleep pattern seems toget easier after day 7.Mind you i was mother yesterday , made bread , did the cooking andthe cleaning..it was nice to have a day off !! justanother 7 days untill ican do that again.
one other rule use a shite qwert board to type on.
As for our position in the race...we gamble

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Message From GARYJESSOP

THE BEGINING:
It was a nervous sunday morning as the Qingdao crew met for breaky.The air was filled with every emotion ever felt. We walked to the LadyQing for the start of the race, the support from friends and family and crew picking up the boat at a later leg put a lump in my throat.We slipperd into the Mersey ,warmed up and then off we went .we did a good job as it was ourfirst together. On the friday nite the skipper informed me that I was to be watch leaderfor this race ..so Slam is my Watch, and they all dida great job.. both watch's are working well. For a quick recount ... we sailed onto France in some harsh weather and then hit no wind what so ever, We then saw singapore clipper and with a great team performance took them in no wind..... we had become a team.
we entered la rochelle ate and drank like winners.. because we all are.

The start of la rochelle to Brazil ... all i can is that with watch chats the night before..we were awesome.. the heli cameraswere there , we clicked they clicked and off we went..the weather was fantastic.... until the first night..the wind picked up , a shackle on the halyhard broke and as the windtormented us we fought to mend ..unfortunately it meant we slipped in position... but heywe only have 3,900miles left.
I write thisoff of spain. remember the main website is tracking us.
www clipperroundtheworld.com

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Getting Close

 Friday the 14th and just a few days to go .
The past weeks have been time spent around the boat.I have pulled apart the winches and put back , help re rig , clean , mend and over all done a great job ... haha
After the C1 and C2 training and the visits to Ull (hull for those who did not understand) I did some courses on Sea survival,First Aid and Radio .. all of which I am glad to have done .The sea survival was a little dramatic with some pool action but no cocktails this time and life rafts being turned over and drills being done .First aid was handy after the having a large night before and the recovery position came in handy. And the radio course was like quoting the Nikkei Roll .

I then did C4 training and we entered the channel waved at the Frenchies once more and picked up the winds .it was with some new crew members and was a joy. We had a Pirate Steve .. just out of Dodge ball ..but a BBC version and he will be bringing some noodles and chili source for the trip he tells me, we had the King Logger Charlie and the Wise ladies of Kay and Linda.. All a joy .
The winds were nice with a F6  on day two ,I found myself on the wheel with Carey the massage lady on the main .. when all of a sudden the coast guard came over and wanted to do a rescue Drill. The Skipper told me to keep the boat straight and concentrate.. With the Helicopter over head .. they lowered a man down towards our boat .. I was so focused that I never saw him standing behind me .. Carey did a great job easing the main and we kept the boat dead straight .. after 5 mins the Helicopter came back and picked up there man .
The next day we had Photo shoot .. where the winds picked up to F8 sun out .. and I Found myself in the midst of the action,which was all by accident as I was making my way to the rail. I was at the mast pulling up all the sails , the Boat was well over powered for the camera .. and it was a tiring journey for an hour. 
I think the photos should be on the web site .  www.clipperroundtheworld.com and www.qingdaoclipper.com

At the end of the week we had a great dinner on the Boat which Andy cooked with lots of beer and music.

We then sailed to Liverpool with Stops in Falmouth and Holyhead .. a few beers and some great jokes were told .. even though no one new what Chris was talking about .. nor did he.
On the trip up we had Dolphins most the may jumping over the Bow ..and  a few Sharks ...What a joy nature is.

The Boat has all it food on board .. well done to Carlo .. the Sails are ready .. mind you our Yankee 1 ( a fore sail came with holes in it ) .I was fortunate to go on the sail repair course so i know how to mend it .. but more fortunate I had V with me who is a great seamstress .. so she mended it .. good girl.


I will try and update as we go from the boat ..   please don't forget about my charity .. justgiving.com/garyjessop     see if we can all help .



will try and make sense a little later

ciaoo for now
 

The Seas await

It is Friday Sep 14th .. not long to go now until the start of the race.
After  weeks of training ,re rigging ,learing loads and meeting the crew it will be time to start the adventure of a life time.
I m sure the romantic hings and the realsic lows will be huge.


Below are the links for you to follow th race , help me raise some cash for children that need help  and enjoy my adventure.

thankyou for those who have already helped the children 

www.clipperroundtheworld.com
www.qingdaoclipper.com


charity .. justgiving.com/garyjessop     very eady to do and takles one minute


garyj-qingdao.blogspot.com



garj 

test

A sail of two C's

Blimey it seems a long time ago... starting C1 training and exchanging main sails with all the other boats.An ale was called for team bonding,but I must admit I whimped out from the ales and stuck on the OJ.I'm glad as the days ahead I would be grateful of no hangover.

We set sail through the Channel with a quick wave at the Frogs and into the North Sea.I never realised how many Oil rigs there are.With night vision and mind games of these vast iron animals we headed for Rotterdam.I was with a great watch with everyone giving each other confidence and John did a fine job on the navigation.The Singapore lads Can-la and Cannot-la found it a little cold out there whilst the Skipper was still in his shorts and t-shirt.As we got closer to Rotterdam the seas swelled and the rains came harder.

Just on entering Rotterdam we had the misfortune of the main sail getting stuck, luckily we had Matty from Ull on board who was as keen as mustard to get up the mast ..and with a stern look from the skips up he went freeing the sail.. ..the skips must have a special touch ..as in minutes of the main coming down the storm hit.. winds of 55kts came in and The Lady Qing did a fine job feeling solid.It was my first taste of how she and for that matter I would cope.Seeing The Badger(skips Marcus)jumping all over the boat loving it made all the crew feel at ease and with a few jokes we all relaxed and enjoyed the ride into port.

Rotterdam in a Force 10!

On entering Rotterdam we followed New York into the harbour and once tide up The Badger announced it was time for a cheeky half with the two showers at full capacity and the queue way too long we went for that beer.. all I can say is ..Ice cold in Alex moment.

'The Badger', Skipper Marcus.

The next morning we had a few chores to do and I found myself sewing a runner onto the main.With sail now covered in my DNA the task was finished , I must say that sewing is quite therapeutic.

With farewells to the locals off we went to start the race to Hull in the Wilberforce Cup. A great la mans style start with TV crew on board off we went.We made a great start and the Badger choose a good line of sail... the winds were still strong and we rolled along. At 1.30 am , Carlo helming ,I on main ,the cry came form him .. 'F*** the wheels come off' with that I saw him do a crab move in mid air still holding onto the wheel.I controlled the main out and the Lady Qing found her own rhythm.. with that faster than Flash himself the Badger was up on deck.Within in 20 minutes we had the wheel back on and back on course. But sad to say we lost time, I would like to point out at this time , just before the incident we were on the heels of WA and with one more gust of wind would have surly taken her.

We should all remember ;If we look after the boat she will look after us.

Ull came in sight, the TV crew were happy and the lovely people of Ull came out and waved and made us feel welcome.

Once tide up the Badger cried for a cheeky half..after which i can t remember too much.

With crews changing Graham and I headed out for some breaky , a local pointed us to a pub (it was 10 am ) but don't worry because the pub opens at 9 am in Ull.We did some cleaning said our good byes and our new hellos.

The weather changed and the sky became blue, the people from Ull came out and wished as all well.With hangovers we waved back thanking them for their great hospitality.Ull should be visited , the locals are all friendly.

Leaving Ull

We sailed in moderate winds down the North sea into the Channel waved at the Frogs and with that the wind died.With new crew cracking jokes it became a totally different weeks sailing.Light winds to no wind, but this was a great opportunity to talk, learn and practice drills. We were lucky to have another skipper on board,Jerry from New York and a few of his crew.It was a joy to see both skippers helping us all.

With Christian/Chris/Christopher non stop funny stories , Max and his cooking and Logging and Abi and H dance routines the week went well.The New York guys Tony, H and Trevor it was a joy to have on board.

H and Abi warming up for a routine

With a last minute call from the Badger for a cheeky half on Wednesday night in the Angel it made for a great week.Thursday once moored up in Gosport we went straight to the bar and thus after beers and shots we are ready for the America's cup

really looking forward to the next part .. hopefully i can get some pics up here.